MOUNTAIN BIKING

Trail Maps | Trail Maintenance | Free Riding | Races and Results | Message Board

The Greensboro Fat Tire Society is going through a tremendous revitalization and growth! We had a strong turn out of 50+ to our annual meeting this January.

Our members are dedicated to the promotion and education of responsible mountain biking. Our members have come together to open new avenues (or trails) to the mountain biking community. With an organized effort we hope to accomplish many goals. One major goal being to bring a positive attitude toward mountain biking in general by maintaining existing trails and developing new ones.

In early 2008, the club's hard working volunteers built the fantastic new Wild Turkey trail which has quickly become one of the favorite mountain biking trails in the Carolina's!

NEXT NEW TRAIL CONSTRUCTION! . We've already started construction on a brand new trail, Blue Heron! March 21st was our first work day and we made a lot of progress on what promises to be a fast and fun trail! Work days will be posted soon on www.biketriad.com so come out and we can put you to work helping to give back to the sport you love!

THE "SIZZLER" Southern Classic Series Race - July 19th

	Maps To Local Riding Areas
	Bur-mill	Map	Web Site
	Country Park	Map
	Reedy Fork	Map
	Lake Higgins	Map
	Trail Finder	Map	Virtual Tour
What can you do to improve bike access to trails in Greensboro? Obey the IMBA trail rules - They are proven to reduce user conflict. 1. Ride On Open Trails Only. - Stay on established trail 2. Leave No Trace. Litter, <93>Don<92>t Ride Trails that are muddy<94> 3. Control Your Bicycle! 4. Always Yield Trail. Avoid startling hikers from behind. 5. Never Scare Animals. 6. Plan Ahead. Be prepared, helmet and tools.

TRAIL MAINTENANCE - PLEASE DON'T RIDE WET TRAILS

We are about to announce trail work days on a brand new trail that will connect to Reedy Fork! In early 2008 we built Wild Turkey, 4.5 miles of the sweetest singletrack to be found east of the mountains.

The Fat Tire Society has, as one of it's prime objectives to build, maintain and improve trails in and around Greensboro. Groups routinely carry out work together along the guidelines of the International Mountain Bike Association (IMBA) and with the guidance of the Greensboro Parks and Recreation Department. To sign up for volunteer work, go to www.biketriad.com for updates.

Members are contacted by e-mail or telephone when and where the work parties will be assembling. Join in! We have a blast and it means a lot! If you wish to be added to the Fat Tire email list, email Dale Holder, dholder@apartmentfinder.com

FREE RIDING

Freeriding at Country Park Spring 2005!

It's been said that there's no free ride in this life, but County Park and the Greensboro Fat Tire Society tend to differ!

In recent years, the Society has taken on a major overhaul of the Country Park trail system to make way for the new BarkPark, off-leash Dog Park. As this major work was accomplished, the volunteers also corrected poor trail design and addressed erosion issues.

Merritt White , "Zone" course designer and Owner of Recycle bike shop, catching big air.

Their second project this year is the construction of a "Freeride" area at Country Park. "Freeriding is like Black Diamond Skiing." explains Gatehouse. "It is similar to the dramatic difference between cross-country skiing and downhill skiing mogul fields. Freeriding appeals to those who are accomplished cross-country trail riders and want to challenge themselves further as their riding skills mature. It also appeals to a growing segment of younger riders who have been inspired watching the "X-games" on television." The sports popularity is also fueled by increasingly sophisticated full suspension bike technology, which enables riders the opportunity to push the limits of what is "do able".

The sport of Freeriding started in North Shore, British Columbia and is rapidly expanding throughout the United States." Currently, Freeride Parks are in operation at several ski resorts. Although the best known is Whistler Ski Resort in Canada, the closest one to N. Carolina is Snowshoe, West Virginia. With current Freeride participation estimated to be about 9% - 18% of mountain bikers, the need for riding opportunities closer to home was strong. "Country Park was chosen for the site of Greensboro's first Freeride area, known as the 'Zone' because it fits the recreational needs of the sport," Gatehouse says.

Construction on the "Zone" began last fall with no funding requirements, only staff assistance from Country Park. Volunteers used the excess soil from the Carolyn S. Allen Community Park development to build the 15 dirt jumps and 7 berms that comprise the "Zone." Support was also provided from local businesses including; Recycles Bicycle, Cycles De Oro, Paceline Bicycles, Guilford College and individual contributions. After 645 hours of volunteer rider "sweat equity" the first Phase of the "Zone" is complete. The "Zone" was designed by a group of very experienced riders, who constructed it in a manner that would be challenging to top level riders but minimize the danger to less experienced riders.

Opening in May, the "Zone" has already met with great success! "The usage of the Freeride area has really surpassed our initial expectations. The 'Zone' is unique to North Carolina, drawing riders from as far away as Martinsville, Asheville and Fort Bragg," says Bill Adams, Country Park Manager. "It's really a great outlet for the kids. You have to see it for yourself!" Bill adds.

The popularity of the first phase has riders anxiously anticipating "Phase II" which will open in Spring of 2006. Phase II will include more advanced level stunts with construction of log rides, ladder bridges and teeter totter stunts.

For more information contact Mark Gatehouse at 336.282.6041 between 9 am to 9 pm.